New Mexico History Museum seeks feedback from community for future programming

Adrian Gomez, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·2 min read

Sep. 25—In the last fiscal year, the New Mexico History Museum saw more than 77,000 visitors.

Museum officials are reaching out to the community to better understand the diverse experiences and views of each visitor.

The museum is a hub for New Mexico history and culture, bringing many perspectives together in a communal space.

As the museum looks to the future, it wants to hear from people across the state about its work so far — about the stories told, the programs offered, and the communities supported.

What do New Mexico residents think about its history museum?

The museum has launched an online questionnaire to give people across the state a chance to contribute.

With public input, the museum hopes to understand the needs of visitors and create a space where everyone feels welcome and inspired.

"We are committed to creating a museum that is relevant and engaging for all New Mexicans," said Billy G. Garrett, New Mexico History Museum executive director. "This feedback is an important part of that process, and we encourage everyone to participate."

Garrett said the museum is interested in the public's ideas for the museum, such as what stories ignite their hearts and minds? How should these stories be told? Which perspectives are generally missing from stories already being told?

He said insight from this questionnaire will inform the museum's work on exhibitions, programming and more.

"This is an opportunity for people across the state to have an impact on one of their most important institutions," Garrett said.

The New Mexico History Museum is a statewide educational resource, local landmark and destination to understand the diverse experiences of the people of New Mexico, the dynamics that have shaped our state, and the relationships that connect our region with the rest of the world.

It is located on the historic Santa Fe Plaza. The campus includes the Palace of the Governors, the Pete V. Domenici Building, the Fray Angélico Chávez History Library, and the Palace of the Governors Photo Archives.

The questionnaire is already live at tinyurl.com/NewMexicoHistory.

It takes about ten minutes to complete and will be available through Oct. 31.